MONTPELIER — Another candidate has joined the race to become the next adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard.

Retired Col. Michael J. Bullock, of Hinesburg, says he has the right background for what the job demands.

Bullock said he is a retired Special Forces, Airborne, Ranger and Basic Mountaineering Infantry officer who currently serves as a civilian senior training adviser.

He volunteered to come out of retirement in 2010 to deploy to Afghanistan, the Burlington Free Press reported. Because of that deployment, he said, he knows the challenges the Guard faces.

“I know what changes need and should be made to help them,” he said. “I know the programs designed to assist them and how those programs can improve. I want to be their voice in Vermont and in Washington.”

His announcement comes a week after former Army Guard Brig. Gen. Jonathan Farnham withdrew from the race. Bullock joins Air Guard Brig. Gen. Steven Cray, of Essex Junction, and Col. Darryl Ducharme on the ballot.

The Legislature will choose the next adjutant general Feb. 21. The position is open because former Adjutant Gen. Michael Dubie stepped down to take a new job. Maj. Gen. Thomas Drew replaced Dubie temporarily but will not be running in the election.